The new Defender Octa possesses dynamic capabilities beyond what any Defender has achieved before
There’s no doubting the abilities of the latest addition to the Defender family. After a teaser of this variant earlier this year, this flagship Defender has finally been unveiled and is being touted the pinnacle of extreme performance, both on- and off-road.
In the all-new Defender Octa, a 4.4-litre twin turbo mild hybrid engine powers all four wheels (unsurprisingly so–it is an off-roader after all) through an eight-speed transmission, pushing out 626 hp and up to 750 Nm of torque. This drivetrain is capable of completing the century sprint in a mind-blowing four seconds and reaches a top speed of 249 km/h. Which is impressive by any stretch of the imagination.
It’s a shame you’ll rarely be able to put its adept off-road capabilities to the test. Aside from a widened stance of 68mm and additional 28mm ground clearance height, the hydraulically interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology officially makes its first appearance on a Defender. However, if you ever do find yourself in a sticky situation somehow, rest assured that the Octa is capable of wading through water up to one metre in depth.
Performance specifications aside, the luxury British marque has not neglected the interior experience for driver and passengers. Discerning clients can opt for the upholstery to be finished in luxurious leather, or a highly durable PU option that proffers 30 per cent less weight than the former option. In terms of tech, expect immersive audio technology that’ll allow both driver and passenger to not just hear, but also feel, the music through the seats.
“The new Defender OCTA is the very definition of breadth of capability, and a testament to what we can achieve utilising the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division. With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D Dynamics suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable,” says Mark Cameron, managing director of Defender.
Intrigued? You won’t have to wait long. The order books for the Defender OCTA opens in August 2024 through Wearnes Automotive.
